Oxford News
Oxfordshire MP ‘gutted’ as £2,000 bike is stolen near pub
Oxford West and Abingdon MP Layla Moran locked the bike near The Plain roundabout, went to the pub for half an hour and when she returned the bike was gone.
The Liberal Democrat MP has reported the theft and is hopeful that Thames Valley Police can help her get it back.
READ MORE: Police raid uncovers stolen bikes
She posted on Facebook: “Last night (3rd July) between 10.50-11.30 my electric cargo bike was stolen. Black Pakyak E+ with a baby carrier on the back.
“First time I’d taken it to town 🥹 . I parked it on the Plain roundabout near the Cape of Good Hope pub. Secured it with a Diamond grade lock.
“We were there for one drink, maybe half hour max. And when I left the pub it was gone. If you saw anything please let me know.
“Have already made a police report and hope Thames Valley Police can do their best. I know this happens a lot but I am so gutted 😞 . #biketheft #oxford.”
Layla Moran with her cargo bike (Image: Layla Moran)
PakYak E+ bikes can cost about £2,000.
Last week, police seized 19 bikes and e-bikes from a house in Gile Road, Littlemore, Oxford.
In total, 19 bicycles were seized and enquiries are continuing to establish their ownership and whether they are linked to further offences.
Oxford West and Abingdon MP Layla Moran (Image: Contributed)
A 58-year-old man from Oxford has since been released on bail under investigation while police continue their work.
If you or someone you know has had a bike stolen recently, get in touch by calling 101, quoting the reference number 43260331201.
Proof of purchase and/or ownership of the bike is required in order to help officer confirm their true owner.
Cyclists can go to St Aldates police station to collect it, if it is a match.
The Cape of Good Hope at The Plain (Image: Oxford Mail)
Last year, Oxford was labelled a “magnet for bike theft” in a new study which has ranked the city second on a list of worst UK places for the crime.
The research team at VelociRAX, a company that specialises in bike racks, found there are 6.7 thefts per 1,000 people in Oxford.
The study used the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) to calculate theft rates.
The methodology involved analysing recorded crime data specifically on bicycle thefts, covering 301 cities across the UK.
Each city was ranked from the worst to the best based on how many thefts occurred, relative to the population size, giving a clear picture of where cyclists are most at risk.
Despite campaigns encouraging better locking practices and CCTV in some areas, theft remains a persistent issue, the company said.
It added at the time: “Oxford’s university-driven culture and widespread cycling infrastructure make it a magnet for bike use and, unfortunately, bike theft.
“The cobbled streets may be charming, but they’re also littered with stories of missing bikes outside lecture halls and libraries.”
Oxford News
West Oxfordshire Priest blesses pub opening after three year closure
Father Clive Dytor, parish priest for Chipping Norton and Charlbury, visited The Fox Inn in Middle Barton, which is set to reopen on Saturday, July 18.
The pub, which was closed in 2023, has been taken over by businessman Tony O’Sullivan after a community campaign to ensure its reopening.
The Fox Inn, a building of historical significance, has been part of the village since at least 1809.
A spokesperson for the pub said on social media: “Tony was honoured to welcome Father Clive to The Fox today for a special blessing of the pub.
“As a proud Catholic, Tony was keen to have The Fox blessed as we continue its restoration and prepare to welcome the community through its doors once again.
READ MORE: Shock one-star food hygiene rating for award-winning farm shop
A campaign to save The Fox in Middle Barton found this old photo of the building (Image: Bartons Community Benefit Society Ltd)
“The blessing marks an important milestone in our journey, and we hope it brings prosperity, good fortune, and happiness to everyone who visits.
“We are grateful to Father Clive for taking the time to visit and share this special moment with us.”
Father Clive was awarded the Military Cross in the Falklands War after leading his Royal Marines unit in an assault on an Argentine machine gun position.
He became an Anglican priest and a public school headmaster before converting to Catholicism.
Oxford News
David Beckham hugs England team ahead of quarter final
The former England footballer, who co-owns Inter Miami CF, met the squad in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with sons Cruz and Romeo ahead of the match against Norway.
Beckham was seen warmly greeting players, including Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, and Harry Kane, with hugs and handshakes.
His visit came on the eve of the highly anticipated last-eight encounter in the Miami heat at Hard Rock Stadium.
The England squad arrived in Florida on Friday and began training at Inter Miami’s facilities.
Sir David Beckham (centre right) with Romeo Beckham and Cruz Beckham as they watch an England training session at Inter Miami Training Complex, Miami. (Image: Bradley Collyer)
Beckham, 51, showed his support by attending the training session and speaking to the players in the gym before they hit the field.
The former Manchester United and England great, who earned 115 caps for his country, has been seen at numerous World Cup matches this summer.
Since his move from Real Madrid to the LA Galaxy in 2007, Beckham has been a significant influence on Major League Soccer (MLS).
Sir David Beckham (centre right) with Romeo Beckham and Cruz Beckham as they watch an England training session at Inter Miami Training Complex, Miami. (Image: Bradley Collyer)
His unique deal allowed him to purchase an expansion club at a discounted price, which led to the creation of Inter Miami.
Despite some challenges since the team’s first season in 2020, the arrival of Lionel Messi has helped propel the club to new heights.
However, Beckham’s day was marked by the absence of his eldest son, Brooklyn, who was noticeably missing from the family gathering.
The match against Norway is set to take place today, with England fans eagerly anticipating the outcome.
Oxford News
Rare Ferrari making debut at Blenheim Palace’s Salon Privé
The Ferrari 365 GTC/4, finished in the rare Verde Blenheim colour, will be showcased at the luxury automotive event at Blenheim Palace this September in the Passione Ferrari Concours class.
One of just three models originally painted in Verde Blenheim – and believed to be the only one with a beige interior – the car was first registered in January 1972 and delivered to its original owner, Baron Giovanni Silvestri, the following month.
Andrew Bagley, chairman and co-founder of Salon Privé, said: “The Ferrari 365 GTC/4 is one of those cars that is often overshadowed by some of Ferrari’s more famous models, but those who know them appreciate just how special they are.
“To find an example as rare and original as this is remarkable enough, but the fact it is finished in Verde Blenheim makes the Salon Privé Concours field at Blenheim Palace, the ideal stage for the 365, where its owners can showcase its rarity, provenance, and fascinating history in equal measure.”
The car spent more than 40 years in Italy, passing through several owners before moving to Germany in 2013.
Salon Privé 2026 will mark its first public appearance at Blenheim Palace.
Built between 1971 and 1972, the Ferrari 365 GTC/4 features a 4.4-litre Colombo V12 engine producing 340bhp and was capable of reaching speeds up to 163mph.
Only 505 units were ever produced, making it even rarer than the iconic Ferrari Daytona.
Designed by Pininfarina, the car is equipped with pop-up headlights, power steering, air conditioning, and occasional rear seating, offering a blend of high performance and long-distance comfort.
The 365 GTC/4 joins a standout collection of entries at this year’s Salon Privé, including a 1952 Ferrari 212 Coupé Speciale by Ghia – originally owned by Argentinian president Juan Perón – a 1953 Bristol 404 Prototype, a 1963 Mercedes-Benz Roadster 300SL, and a 1982 Lamborghini Countach 5000S.
Salon Privé will return to Blenheim Palace from Wednesday, September 2 to Sunday, September 6.
The event will feature the Salon Privé Concours by Aviva Private Clients, which will showcase some of the rarest and most significant privately-owned vehicles from around the world, judged by an international panel of experts.
Other highlights include Ladies’ Day by Boodles, Concours de Vente, the Club Trophy presented by Lockton, Supercar Sunday, and Lifestyle Clubs Day.
For ticket bookings, visit https://www.salonpriveconcours.com/.
To enter a vehicle in this year’s Concours, visit https://www.salonpriveconcours.com/apply-to-enter/.
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